Add Generator to 5th Wheel

[JMG]

I have a 2955RL, 2002 Montana - and would like to add a generator and put it in the compartment above the landing gear legs.
Has anyone done this? If so what generator did you install?
jmg

[dodge]

JMG,

I have an 05 2955 and I had an Onan 5500 installed in that space. This unit will power everything in the unit with no problems. I chose the one that uses propane from the built in tanks.

Drawback of this generator is that under load it can go through .7 gallons of propane an hour!!!
So I also carry a small portable generator to plug into when we have no electric and we want to watch a movie or television for the morning or evening.

We use the big generator when we need lots of power or just want it for something quick, rather than pull out the portable, just push the button and its running.

My two cents worth.

[bigmurf]

We have a Onan 4000 (Gasoline). It too runs everything in the trailer.

[Bill DeMeulle]

I have a 4500 watt LP Generac very efficient but not particularly quiet and I don't use it very often. We have the Montana 2002 3280RL and we usually stay in parks do to my sleep apnea.

Bill

[trukdoc]

I have done something a bit different. I have a Honda ES6500 I keep in the bed of the truck in front of the hitch. I have run a cable the length of the frame and comes out the same place the light cord comes out and leave a tail long enough to plug into the genset. I used a 30 amp plug identical to the trailer power plug and made an adapter for the genset plugin. The other end is a receptacle for the trailer power cord behind the bumper. My storage compartment is left. Maintenance of the genset is a snap. Lift out and set on a bench. The drawback of coarse is that the truck has to be with the trailer. One extra advantage is that you can plug in to power from both ends of the trailer. I have found this convenient more than once.

[kerry]

Here's a suggestion. If your going to use it a lot, have one installed. If your going to use it 2 or 3 times a year, use a portable and take it with you when you know your going to need it. Make sure it has a 30amp outlet, minimum 2800KW if you are wanting to run your AC. I use a 3500KW Generac,it works fine, but is a little heavy full of gas if I want to take it out of the truck. I plan on replacing it with 2 Honda 2000's and a parallel kit. This will give you 4000KW and 33amp output. They also only weigh 47lbs a piece, their quiet, and if I know I'm not going to need the AC, I can use one. This set up will cost you between $1800 & $1900. A permanent install will run between $4000 & $6000. Food for thought, Kerry

[Clyde n Deb]

If your coach was not built with a "generator prep" package, you will need to ventilate the door of that compartment, and have a metal containment box built to encase the generator. Also you will need to run a wireset into the coach if you want to be able to start it from inside. It's a significant job if done right. But, you won't regret it either. I was fortunate our 2955 came with the gen prep and I had an Onan 5500LP installed when I bought the coach new. Bring your checkbook.

[Tom S.]

quote:Originally posted by Bill DeMeulle

I have a 4500 watt LP Generac very efficient but not particularly quiet and I don't use it very often. We have the Montana 2002 3280RL and we usually stay in parks do to my sleep apnea.

Bill

Depending on your CPAP machine, it may run on 12 volts DC as well as 120 Volts AC.

[Waynem]

CPAP can also be run off of a cheap [s]inverter[/s].

Edited: "inexpensive"